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AND PARKS 



First Ward Public School Association, 



Formed in 1874. 



This is an organization composed of citizens of the ward, de- 
signed to promote public education, encourage culture, develop 
social life, and foster general improvement in the interest of all the 
people. 

In forming itself about the Public School, it recognizes the fact 
that at no other point, centre so largely the common interests and 
sympathies of a free and progressive community, and that no where 
else can the people so conveniently and effectively unite to advance 
much that tends to make human life and relations profitable and 
pleasant. 

The Association aims to develop a broad spirit of humanity 
that lifts society above narrow, unjust and degrading prejudices, which 
prevent that free and kindly intercourse and co-operation which are 
essential to human welfare and happiness. It regards the public 
school as foremost among the agencies for leveling up to the highest 
and best standards of human equality. It demands that the right 
to knowledge be recognized as pre-eminent, that freedom in its pur- 
suit be established and adequately provided for as the inalienable 
right of every human soul. 

The association divides its work and aims to carry out its ob- 
jects through the agency of Standing Committees on the following 
subjects, viz : Public Schools, Library and Museum, Lectures, 
Music, Industries, Fine Arts, Entertainments, Horticulture, Public 
Improvements, Benevolence and Humanity. 

Residents of the ward, of either sex, who sympathize with the 
objects of the Association, and are willing to give it their counte- 
nance and support will confer a favor by signifying the same by letter 
or otherwise, and by ordering their names placed on the roll of 
membership. Please address, 




Pres'i First Wa7-(1 Piihh'c ScJiooI Associaiioji. 



.\ 



Ocrr.TDlivasnzs oj 




TRET^OET OF 

FIRST WARD CITIZENS' 



COMMITTEE 






Public School Grounds, Etc, 



September 25tk, 1871. 






Y 2 1910 






REPORT OF COMMITTEE 



!^ Enlargement and Improvement of Public 
School Grounds, Etc. 



At a meeting of citizens of the First Ward held at Turn Hall in 
April, 1877, R. C. Spencer, W. P. McLaren, G. Bossert, W. E. 
Huttmann and C. Dexheimer were appointed a committee to consider 
and report upon the enlargement and improvement of the public 
school grounds of the ward. 

At a meedng held in the Hall of . the First District school 
house, Tuesday evening September 25th, 1877, called for the pur- 
pose of receiving Report of Citizen Committee on enlargement and 
improvement of Public School grounds in the ward, Mr. Wm. P. 
McLaren was appointed Chairman, and Mr. Wm. E. Huttmann 
Secretary, 

Mr. R. C. Spencer, Chairn^.an of the Committee, read the 
following 

REPORT: 

That in a government of the people like that under which we 
live and^form a part, too much cannot be done by the people for 
the education and improvement of the masses. 

That the problems of free government and human progress de- 
pend for their successful solution upon universal education. That 
it is a paramount duty to make the most ample and complete pro- 
vision for popular education to the end that every citizen shall be 
thoroughly prepared for self-government, self-support and self-improve- 
ment. That the accomplishment of these aims is the highest and 
most sacred function of the American State. 



Viewed in this light, the development of our public schools 
becomes the great vital interest of our community as the means of 
elevating the standard of American citizenship, and of removing the 
many evils incident to the lack of universal intelligence. 

It is believed that there can be no better criterion by which to 
judge a people, no truer index of their condition and character, than 
that furnished by their public schools. 

The spirit in which these schools are established and conducted, 
their scope, organization, appointments, means provided for their 
support, their surroundings, practical results and the direct interest 
manifested in them by the people are true exponents of the measure 
of general intelligence, interprise, thrift, patriotism and cultivation 
of the community. Looking at the matter from this point of view 
it would certainly seem to be a favorable and encouraging indica- 
tion as to the condition of our own community that our minds are 
being agitated upon the subject of making a move toward enlarging 
and improving our public school grounds. 

A little reflection should satisfy any person of ordinary intelli- 
gence of the utility and importance of ample, well arranged, suit- 
ably improved and properly kept school grounds. 

In the matter of school buildings, very satisfactory progress is 
being made as to number and quality. We begin to have some 
realizing sense of the fact that school buildings should not only be 
spacious, convenient and well furnished, but that due attention 
should also be given to sourid sanitary and hygienic conditions as to 
light, heating, ventilation, drainage, etc. That we have very much 
still to learn and accomplish in these directions is quite probable. 

That the public mind is getting into a comparatively receptive, 
healthy and active condition on the subject of school architecture 
affords cause for thankfulness and hope. 

In entering upon a consideration of school grounds we ap- 
proach a phase of the general subject of education that has thus far 
attracted comparatively little attention. The subject has been dis- 
cussed somewhat from time to time in educational circles, but has 



been almost entirely neglected by school aulhoiities and the public. 
If it has developed any distinctive literature of its own it seems to 
be meagre and inaccessible. 

The general principles involved in the question are, however, 
of recognized importance. Not even the most brutal and degraded 
are insensible wholly to the operation of the laws that govern the 
subject in its bearing upon human interests. 

That the germs of life and power within are acted upon vitaliz- 
ed and developed by the force of surrounding conditions and influ- 
ences is now a well understood fact as applied to human beings. 
The potency of environment as a means of inspiring, directing and 
moulding human life is not denied. That the qualities and char- 
acter of man are the result of conditions in which surroundings are 
an important, if not the most important factor, is beyond question. 

The dormant energies of the child are appealed to and aroused 
through his senses. He lives, moves and has his being in the world 
of sense. It touches him at every point and draws out or retards 
his faculties. His development depends largely upon the adjust- 
ment of conditions in which his surroundings are of primary conse- 
quence. 

To make these conditions the most favorable to the develop- 
ment of the finest men and women, and the best type of citizens 
is to perfect our means of education. 

Teachers we have of every degree of fitness and unfitness, text 
books in endless variety, maps, charts, apparatus and an ever in- 
creasing assortment of improved appliances. 

In school architecture we have specimens of the rude and prim- 
itive, and so on up through the scale of progress to the most per- 
fect modern examples. 

Provisions made for the support of our public schools are, in 
the main, quite liberal. Thus far progress is in the right direction. 
But let us enquire what is our condition as to school grounds ? 

Do they meet the reasonable requirements of an advancing 
civilization ? Are they of an extent and character suited to proper- 



ly develop the best capacities, tastes, habits and character of child- 
ren preparing for the practical business and relations of life ? Do 
they correspond to our school buildings ? Are they commensurate 
to our educational wants present and prospective ? Can they be 
considered in keeping with improvement in other directions ? 

It is believed that a patient and thoughtful investigation of the 
subject would lead to the unanimous conclusion that with few ex- 
ceptions our public school grounds are miserably mean in extent, 
barbarous in their condition, grossly deficient in those evidences of 
refined taste and entirely destitute of the various things for the lack 
of which school life fails of the accomplishment of many most prac- 
tical and essential objects. It may not be flattering to our vanity, 
but it will doubtless be wholesome for us to confess, to ourselves at 
least, that our school grounds, if not a positive disgrace come far 
short of reflecting credit upon ourselves and upon the age in which 
we live. 

An examination of ihe grounds of the First District School in 
our ward, shows that they are much too small for even ordinary 
uses. 

They have a frontage of 240 feet on Cass street with a depth of 
f.2o feet to an alley, giving in round numbers an area of about 
3QOOO square feet of space. Of this above iiooo square feet are 
covered by the school building. Deducting also the ground cover. 
ed by out-buildings and in other necessary ways, there remains 
scarcely 12000 square feet available for play grounds for the accom- 
modation of from 500 to 600 children — affording at the rate of 
about twenty square feet or four to four and a half feet square per 
child for exercise and air. 

This narrow space is covered with gravel and clay, which, in the 
dry season, is compacted by the pressure of active feet to a barren 
waste, innocent of every form of vegetable life, save the meanest, 
most stubborn and stunted specimens. During the wet season these 
grounds by the same activities, are transformed into mud that "sticks 
closer than a brother" until transported in greater or smaller quan- 



7 

tities into the school building, when by degrees, it relaxes its hold 
and resolves itself into original dust, mingles freely with the air of 
the rooms and passes into the lungs causing iritation and laying the 
foundations of desease. 

Full of active life and impulses as children are with so narrow 
and barren a spot of ground for their own, they can scarcely do 
otherwise than overflow largely to the sidewalks and into the ad- 
jacent streets and gutters, and are apt to trespass upon surrounding 
property. It is quite obvious that such a state of things can be pro- 
ductive of no real benefit to the school or the community. On the 
contrary, it must be apparent, upon even slight reflection, thatittends 
very much to retard improvement and measurably defeat some val- 
uable ends sought to be accomplished through the agency of our 
public schools. 

Contemplating the subject in this light, it becomes not only 
eminently proper, but a most immediate and pressing duty devolv- 
ing upon us as citizens, to thoroughly consider the situation with a 
view to such measures as the circumstances of the case and the gen- 
eral good may demand. 

Until quite recently the land surrounding the First District 
school was mostly vacant and uninclosed. This gave the pupils 
ample space and freedom for exercise and sport without annoyance 
to others. Latterly, however, this has become in a great measure 
changed. 

The adjacent land or much of it is now occupied by private 
residences of the better class. This deprives the children of the use 
of grounds formerly regarded as commons, and restricts them to the 
narrow limits of the school grounds, public walks and streets. 

So long as they might share with cattle, swine and geese, the 
unchallenged freedom of neighboring territory, our attention was 
not called to the need of providing for more ample school grounds. 

The general growth and progress of our city and of this neigh- 
borhood are bringing us to a consciousness of many wants not be- 
fore felt. Had we earlier considered this subject with reference to 



our future needs, it would have been greatly to the public advantage, 
because it would have resulted doubtless in taken sufficient ground 
at a time when the cost would have been nominal. The mistake 
made in this regard, however, is but an other example of the com_ 
mon absence of foresight in the management of both private and 
public affairs. We may be thankful that even at this late day we 
are awakening to a sense of our position, while we may yet do 
something to remedy a past error and properly provide for our own 
wants and for the requirements of posterity. 

Fortunately land can yet be had that will answer our purposes, 
and at a price and upon term.s of payment which will bring it with- 
in reach. 

The property referred to, is a strip of land joining the school 
lot on the north, and extending to Brady Street, 293^ feet front oh 
Cass street with a depth of 120 feet to an alley. This land is offer- 
ed in a body for the sum of 110,500, being at the rate of about 
I35.80 per front foot. The terms of payment can be arranged to 
suit and can if desired run for ten years at 7 per cent interest. 
Compared with prices realized for similar property in the vicinity 
the price placed upon the land is not considered exhorbitant. 

This land added to the present school grounds would give a 
total area of about 64000 square feet. This is about equal to that 
on which the Sixth District School is located. 

Some five years ago the city bought a lot 60 feet front by 120 
feet deep to enlarge the grounds of the Seventh District School for 
which they paid $8,000, or |r33| per front foot. 

The Seventh District School grounds are still much too small. 
The fault will now, probably, never be remedied. Earlier attentiton to 
the matter would have secured for that school spacious and beauti- 
ful grounds at comparatively little cost. We may now enlarge our 
First District School grounds by adding nearly 340 per cent more 
land than was added to the Seventh District School at a cost of only 
about 31 per cent more than was paid for an enlargement of 60 feet 

frontage for the Seventh District School purchased for that purpose 
some five or six years since. 



9 

In deliberating as to whether, we shall or shall not take this 
land for public purposes, the subject should be examined from 
every point of view, and the objections and benefits carefully 
weighed. In this way only, can we hope to arrive fairly at the wisest 
conclusions as to what are the claims of interest and duty in this 
connection. 

Among the things first to present themselves to our minds, 
in the nature of an objection is the very important consideration 
of cost and expense, and the eff"ect upon taxation. 

Under this head is included not only the purchase price of the 
property, but the cost of improving and expense of keeping the 
grounds in order, together with interest on the investment It is 
not probable that the land can be secured at all, if it is not secur- 
ed now. This fact would in case of purchase necessitate the im- 
mediate payment of $10,500 the price of the property, or of con- 
tracting a debt for that sum upon which interest at 7 per cent per 
annum would run until the liability should be dicharged. 

In addition to this should be taken into account the cost of 
suitably improving and fitting up the grounds. 

This would include thorough under drainage, comprising 
also the present school grounds. 

To this would be added the fitting of the surface of so much 
of the grounds as would be ample for healthful exercises and for 
sport, in a manner as free as possible from dirt and danger. The 
remaining portion of the land to be prepared in the proper way 
for pleasure and ornamental grounds, to be used not only tor the 
practical purposes of school training, but also to serve as a public 
breathing place or park. The cost of the improvements, it is difii- 
cult to estimate without deffinite plans and specifications. This, 
however, is a matter that can be regulated according to circumstan- 
ces, and need not be made burdensome. With the increase of pop- 
ulation and wealth, and the development of taste, the improvement 
and embellishment of these grounds and their various public uses, 
would assume shape and character according" to the ideas and wants 



10 

of the people. It is evident, however, that the principal part of the 
burden would fall upon the present generation, so lar at least, as the 
cost of the grounds and ordinary improvements are concerned. 

Another objection to the taking of this property for public uses, 
is the fact that it will remove it from the tax roll and thus increase 
the burdens of taxation upon other property. It may also be urged 
that if the property remains in private hands, and is suitably im- 
proved as it is reasonable to expect, it would yield to the public 
treasury considerable revenue so long as taxation continues. 
Whereas, if taken for public uses it would not only cease to pay 
taxes but would become a public expense. 

Furthermore it may perhaps be claimed that our school grounds 
are much larger than in New York and that therefore they do not 
need enlargemant. 

Possibly the objection may suggest itself that the time spent by 
school children outside of the school building during the regular 
hours of school attendance is comparatively short and that by proper 
regulations as to their movements they can be confined quite com- 
fortably within the space of the present school grounds. 

It may also be thought that we are over-doing the public school 
business and running into extravagance in that direction. It may 
be possible that m some minds there exists the opinion that the 
State has no right to meddle with education. Other objections of 
various kinds and weight may perhaps be entertained by individuals. 

Regarding the subject only in the light of these objections, real 
or supposed, without looking at the question in its other aspects, it 
would be easy to arrive at a conclusion adverse to further enlarging 
and improving our public school grounds. 

Not only so but following out the same line of reasoning to its 
legitimate results and general application we should not only wholly 
abolish our State system of education and public schools and sell 
all the property used for that purpose, but disband our police and 
fire departments, abandon all public charities, cease to administer 
justice at public expense, discontinue all public works and improve- 
ments, surrender the means of public protection and safety and re- 



11 

place enlightened and free civil government with anarchy and bar- 
barism. 

Thus would the vexed questions of capital and labor be settled 
by destroying both and the insatiable demands of public taxation 
with its attendant injustice and corruptions would be escaped. The 
complexity and inconveniences of civilized society would give place 
to other and more primitive conditions from which through long 
ages by great effort and cost we have slowly emerged. 

It is not probable, however, that there is any very large or influ- 
ential element that would deliberately favor such policy, without 
first satisfying themselves that it would bring a fuller measure of 
blessings and enjoyments and fewer evils and sufferings than are ex- 
perienced under civilized influences and institutions. 

Since there is no evident intention or determination to adopt 
a retrograde movement but everywhere a manifest disposition to 
advance, it is safe to assume that in considering the enlargement 
and improvement of our public school grounds the general desire 
is favorable to an examination of facts, principles and arguments 
looking toward the encouragement of such a measure. 

In view then of the fact that on all sides and in every depart- 
ment of human interest the spirit of improvement is active and 
vital, that the universal demand is for better things, our hopes and 
expectations would doubtless suffer disappointment were there not 
found ample reason for the contemplated improvement. 

The question of taxation involved in the measure is one to 
which we do not shut our eyes. We know its meaning. Is it rea- 
sonable to expect that the benefits to be realized from the improve- 
ment will warrant the outlay .'' We have already virtually answered 
the question by our action in erecting larger and better school build- 
ings and more of them, by providing improved text books and ap- 
paratus and by employing better teachers at higher salaries, in ex" 
tending and perfecting our system of public education. By estab- 
lishing normal schools for training teachers ; by organizing and sus- 
taining a State University as a conservator of the higher interests of 



12 

knowledge, science, culture and the arts. We cannot pause ! We 
will not go backward ! We must advance ! 

In that direction are outlay of money, time, labor and thought. 
But in return there is a certainty of satisfactions and equivalents 
that more than warrant the investment. 

If under the absurd misnomer of school grounds we continue 
the present human corall about our school building not only will 
neighboring property permanently suffer from the depressing influ- 
ence of our false economy, but the effect will be a general detri- 
ment to values in property and in human beings. This may be 
considered as certain to result, as any thing that follows the opera- 
tion of the laws of value. 

Do we desire to train in our public schools, citizens who shall 
scrupulously respect the rights of private property ? 

Then do reason and justice demand that children be not '"orced 
by means of insufficient, inconvenient, unattractive school grounds 
to invade private property, or trespass upon the rights of community. 

The moral aspects of this subject are of grave consequence to 
society. 

The moral and social influence of school grounds depend 
much upon material conditions and surroundings, such as sufficient 
or insufficient room, the piesence or absence of objects of instruc- 
tive interest calculated to excite thoughtful inquiry and open the 
way to improving and pleasant intercourse. 

Suitable appliances tor physical exercise and amusements are 
essential in the arrangement and furnishing of school grounds. 
These things require ample space and cannot be provided without 
cost. 

We may make our school grounds the most valuable aids in 
the training and development of the young. 

If these grounds are to remain in their present condition, their 
value for educational purposes must continue to be almost nothing. 
Generation will follow generation across these thresholds out into 
active life and responsible citizenship, deprived of the possible good 



13 

the lasting benefits and larger measure of happiness, which it is in 
our power to confer by making these school grounds what it is in 
our power to render them. 

Can there be a doubt as to our obligation ? Are not the cliams 
of interest, duty, patriotism and philanthroDy assuming in our minds 
and hearts the form of clear and strong convictions that glow some- 
what with the warmth of earnest purpose and generous enthusiasm? 

But let us not be hasty. Let us compare our condition with 
that of older cities. New York with its million inhabitants, vast 
wealth, business enterprise and intelligence has public schools so 
shut in by the close proximity of surrounding buildings as not only 
to be almost entirely deprived of play grounds but sensibly limited, 
in the light of day. Some of these schools were founded at an early 
period by private charity under the name of "Ragged Schools", and 
in due time became the nucleus of the present extensive public 
school system of the metropolis. 

With the then undreamed of future greatness of the city and 
with limited means, those schools became cramped and crowded in 
their quarters until the value ot property precluded the possibilty of 
remedying the mistake, had it been discovered. 

The injuries to mind and body inflicted by the unfortunate 
condition of schools thus situated and the possibilties of usefulness 
and happiness which they disappoint, are matters of conjecture. 

That they are serious and far reaching cannot be doubted. 
We can best benefit by such examples by avoiding their repetition. 

Were we to-day to consult the highest intelligence, ripest ex- 
perience and wisdom of the best and purest citizens of New York 
on this subject, they would doubtless say to us, by all means take 
ample room for your public schools. 

The intelligence of New York would doubtless admit that if 
some just proportion of the space and beauties of her magnificent 
Central Park were divided among her public schools, it would be 
immeasurably better for her people, her character, influence, pros- 
perity and fame. 



14 

We do not desire to become imitators but an example. Our 
aim is to make the best of our advantages, the most of our op- 
portunities and ourselves. 

We are laying the foundations of an American city, to be devel- 
oped under free insitutions and in harmony with a high and advanc- 
ing civilization, presenting ideal standards of intelligence, integrity 
and industry, attainable only by means of universal education 
and training of the most practical and thorough character. 

Our aim must be to make Milwaukee a model ot utility and- 
beauty — an object of honorable ambition that can in no way be 
attained, except through the instrumentality of our public schools. 
One of the most necessary auxiliaries to these schools is ample and 
well appointed school grounds. With such grounds it is possible, 
and will be found practicable, to introduce instruction and training 
in various industries in which the teaching of the schools may be 
applied to use. The active energies of the young will be given 
practical and profitable direction in their school work and recreation. 

Constructive talents will be furnished means of useful and agree- 
able exercise, turning forces, otherwise wasted, or destructively em- 
ployed to valuable and improving account in connection with the 
studies and drill of the schools. 

Around our schools should not only be ample room for health- 
ful sports and social amusement in the open air and sun light, but 
space for work shops, supplied with suitable tools and materials, to- 
gether with ground devoted to horticulture, thus educating the 
young to intelligently produce with their own hands many useful 
and beautiful things. In this connection trading talents would 
naturally find exercise in effecting exchanges, which in turn would 
lead to business computations, regulations and records. 

Thus would be developed an early and rational appreciation 
of the dignity of labor, and of the blessings of every legitimate 
human industry. So may the school be made useful, as it now is 
not and without room and means cannot be made, in preparing 
citizens trained to independent self-support in whom intelligent and 



15 

disciplined minds are co-ordinated with developed physical powers, 
industrial skill and enterprise, directed wisely and well to the every 
day duties and business of sustaining and improving life. 

With such auxiliaries and appliances, a system of universal edu- 
cation may be wrought nut and put into operation that would go far 
toward effecting, in time, a radical cure of idleness, uselessness, pov- 
erty dishonesty, theft, tramps, crime and a swarm of evils that curse 
society, distract and confuse the public mind, and are an incubus to 
the state. 

For want of these enlarged and improved school grounds, we 
are losing much of the possible benefits that would otherwise result 
from the expenditures made for buildings and teachers. With suit- 
able playgrounds, furnished in the best manner for physical exercises 
and sports, with shops in which boys might find materials and op- 
portunity to employ their pocket knives in fashioning things of use 
and ornament, great good could be accomplished that is now lost. 
Add to these things a small park with such ornamental features as 
might be found convenient and practicable and the influence which 
it would exert in refining the tastes, improving the manners and 
elevating the character of the young and of community would, it is 
believed, soon be sensibly feh. 

Combine with these some appropriate system of horticultural 
instruction and training to be carried on in the school grounds and 
park, and the benefits would very soon become apparent in various 
ways. Children would become interested in the cultivation, growth 
and habits of plants, shrubs, vines, fruits, flowers and trees, and 
would soon learn to cultivate and render productive and beautiful 
the waste places about their own homes. Their hearts and hands 
would be busy in pleasant and profitable exchanges of their pro- 
ducts. Thus would they acquire an intelligent appreciation of the 
useful and beautiful in this important and interesting branch of in- 
dustry and art. The wide spread and lasting benefits that would re- 
sult cannot be estimated. 



16 

With sufficient room it will be also possible to introduce into 
the school grounds small streams and ponds of water for fish, water 
animals, plants, miniture machinery, shipping, etc. In this manner 
much may be done to interest and educate young and old. 

Yet another consideration in favor of enlarging the school 
grounds as proposed, is the fact of the constantly over-crowded con- 
dition of the primary grades, and the ever increasing pressure upon 
them, coupled with the need of schools for very young children on 
the Kindergarten basis, points to the fact that we must very soon 
provide primary schools in greater abundance and of an improved 
character. This cannot be better done than by placing such a school 
in a convenient part of the enlarged grounds, saving the cost of a 
separate site. 

It is also suggested that it might be found desirable that the 
janitor should reside on the premises in order to be handy to his 
work, and to keep the property entrusted to his care constantly un- 
der his watchful supervision. During the season when fires are not 
kept, the janitor has unemployed time that can be used in keep- 
ing the grounds in order. Under his direction, with the co-operation 
of teachers, pupils can be trained in the work of cultivating and 
caring for the flowers, fruits, vines, etc., and in other interesting, 
pleasant and improving labors connected with the school grounds, 
garden and park. 

In the improvement, planiing and decoration of the grounds, 
doubtless many contributions would voluntarily be made by pupils 
and citizens. 

As a public park, these grounds would, it is believed, be very 
useful, aff'ording a pleasant and much needed breathing place for 
this section of the city. 

Along the river front is growing up a dense hive of manufactur- 
ing industries, with a valuable population, who, more perhaps than 
any other, stand in need of the benefits of a conveniently, accessible 
and pretty little public park, such as it is possible to make of this 
ground. 



17 

Furthermore the enlargement and improvement of these 
grounds in the manner suggested, would strongly tend to draw the 
school and community into nearer relations and more active sympa- 
thy in various pleasant and profitable ways. 

In short it seems evident that in no other manner can an equal 
sum of money be expended that will be productive of such a variety 
and amount of lasting public good as the one proposed. 

The increased burdens of taxation would practically amount to 
nothing. In fact, the tendency will be rather to diminish than add 
to taxation. In other words with these improvements, and the ben- 
efits arising therefrom, we shall find it easier to pay our taxes than 
we shall without them. Not only so, but the satisfactions they will 
bring us will render the investment not only wise as to ourselves, 
but benificent as to the generations that will come after us. 

From whatever point of view we contemplate the matter in the 
light of civilization and human welfare, the conclusion seems to 
force itself, that we owe it as a duty to ourselves and posterity, to 
take this' property for the public uses proposed. In brief, the 
reasons for taking the property amount to a manifest public neces- 
sity of the highest character. 

It is also deemed necessary that the basement of this building 
should be immediately fitted up for use as play room for younger 
children during stormy and very cold weather. 

Our duty would be far from complete were this report to be con- 
cluded without noticing^ at this time, the condition and wants of the 
First District Branch School, which is rapidly rising into importance. 

The tendency of population in that direction indicates clearly 
that the time is not far distant when that school will take rank 
'among the largest and finest in the city. 

The capacity of the building is already overtaxed, and it is prob- 
able that during the present year many will be unable to obtain 
admission for want of room. The present building, however, is 
comparatively valueless, except for the materials it contains, and its 
grounds are in an unattractive condition. 



The same considerations which demand the enlargement and 
improvement of the District School grounds, apply with force to the 
Branch School. Fortunately, however, the Branch School is so 
situated that ground, ample for all future needs, can betaken without 
cost, except for the necessary improvements. 

The school is located at the junction of Prospect Avenue and 
Maryland street, on a tract of land owned by the city, containing 
some twenty-seven acres, of which no use is made. 

The triangular block on which the school is situated, is bound- 
ed on the north by Bradford street, and contains about six acres of 
land admirably adapted for public school grounds and park. 

When laid out and improved as it should be, it will become 
one of the most beautiful and sightly situations in our city. Such 
improvements would at once bring surrounding property into de- 
mand, and enhance the revenues of the city. 

It is therefore deemed wise policy that this block of six acres 
should be now set apart and dedicated for public school, grounds 
and park, also that at an early day the grounds be improved, streets 
graded, trees planted and steps taken toward a new school building 
thereon. 

It may not be out of place in drawing to a close, to suggest for 
consideration, that the interests of our city would be subserved by 
proceeding without unnecessary delay, to establish at various conven- 
ient places, and as far as practicable in connection with our public 
schools, small and attractive parks for the joint uses and pleasure of 
the schools and the public. It is believed that such a system of 
parks distributed throughout the city, would confer upon us bless- 
ings not possible to be obtained in any other way. 

In conclusion we beg leave to submit the following resolutions: 

1st. Resolved, That the Aldermen of this ward be, and they are hereby 
respectfully requested to take the necessary steps, to procure for permanent 
use as public school grounds and park, the entire strip of land extending from 
the present grounds of the First District School north to Brady Street, on such 
terms of payment as in their judgment may seem best. 



19 

2ncl. Resolved, That they be, and are hereby further requested to take 
proper measures to have the six acres, block of land on which the First Dis- 
trict Branch School is located, set apart and permanently dedicated for use as 
public school grounds and park. 

3rd. Resolved, That said Aldermen be, and they are hereby requested to 
see that as soon as practicable, provisions be made for improving said grounds 
in a proper manner without unduly increasing taxation. 

4th. Resolved, Th&i onv Aldermen be, and they are hereby requested to 
favor such division of the cost of said grounds and the necessary improve- 
ments thereon, between the city and the ward, as may be deemed fair and 
equitable. 

5th. Resolved, That the Board of Public Works be, and they are here- 
by respectfully requested to put the basement of the First District School 
building in order for use as play room for children, when required for that 
purpose during stormy and severe weather. 

Respectfully submitted, 

R. C. SPENCER, ] 

■w. p McLaren, j 

G BOSSERT, \ Committee. 

W. E. HUTTMANN | 
C. DEXHEIMER, J 



Col. Geo. B. Goodwin's Remarks. 

Mr. Chaibman : — In moving the acceptance of the report of the Com- 
mittee, I desire to express, most heartily, my approval of the arguments, con- 
clusions and purposes of the same. The Committee have treated the subject so 
exhaustively, that it leaves little to be said, and certainly the gentlemen com- 
prising the Committee, are entitled to the thanks of the people of the ward 
and city. The enlargement of our school grounds, may be considered an im- 
mediate necessity. Possessing as we do a fine edifice, resorted to by five or six 
hundred^upilSj we should not be willing to neglect this opportunity of in- 
creasing the grounds, and thus adding to our facilities for education. A sound 
mind in a sound body, is an old saying, fraught with much significance. The 
growing boy and girl need the free air, the bright landscape, the embellished 
play grounds, quite as much as the apparatus and maps of the recitation room. 
This is true as we see in the history of the most refined nations. Homer's 
grand epics, were recited in the open air, while the youth were emulating the 
example of his heroes, in physical exercises, upon the grassy plains. Socrates 
drew his deciples to the open space in front of the temple, and uttered words 
of wisdom and truth to his enraptured scholars which ennobled the Athenian 
state. 

Thus, in educational matters, we must take advanced positions. Mental 
culture will cramp and deform the mind, unless nature is allowed free play. 

Broad culture, which developes to true manhood, demands free air, room, 
the landscape and the field. 



20 

The people of our beautiful city, can with pride, boast of our school build- 
ings. They are commodious and many of them evince architectural taste in their 
construction. It is true, too, that ia many instances we have only narrow and 
contracted grounds, illy adapted to these handsome buildings. Many a golden 
opportunity has past from us. Our Committee, however, has in strong and 
well based arguments, called attention to the wants of our schools, and offer 
an opportunity, which the citizens of this ward and of the city should not 
lose. 

To the mind of intelligent citizens, a free broad educational system is of 
primary importance. The liberty of the nation, is based upon it. A free pub- 
lic school is a greater protection to our liberty and happiness, than ships of 
war. A free High school is better than a corps of infantry, and a free full 
system of education, will do for us, more than standing armies. 

The grounds proposed to be taken are comparatively cheap. In addition 
to accommodating our school children, they can he embellished with fountains 
and be made a pleasant resort for those whose means are limited, and then all 
will reap an advantage. I most heartily endorse the report of the Committee 
and move its acceptance by this meeting. Motion carried. 

On motion of School Commissioner J. C. Ludwig, an adjourn- 
ment was taken to Thursday evening, October 4th, to consider and 
act upon the report of the Committee. 

The meeting to take action on the report of Committee on en- 
largement and improvement of public school grounds convened ac- 
cording to adjournment. 

A. V. H. Carpenter was appointed Chairman, and Mr. W. E. 
Huttmann acted as Secretary. 

On motion, the report of the Committee was again read. 

Mr. Bloodgood's Remarks. 

Mr. Francis Bloodgood in moving the adoption of the report and the pas- 
sage of the resolutions, said that in view of the interesting and exhavistive man- 
ner in which the whole subject had been presented, nothing need or could 
be added in support of the action recommended The marked attention paid 
the reading of the report, and the interest expressed in the countenances of all 
present, was a sure guaranty that the matter, fully understood, could not fail 
to be universally approved. 

It was to be considered that a large portion of the details as to the use and 
improvements of the grounds to be acquired were merely suggestive ; and left 
to be carried out in accordance with future ability, in the light of future exper- 
ience, and subject to the concurrent judgment of all interested. The main 
point was to secure the additional grounds while they were attainable, at a 
reasonable price, and v»ilhin our resources. 

The sum required was not such as to induce the slightest hesitation in 
determining upon the purchase. Ail tax payers would share in the contribu- 
tion, and the percentage was so small as to be hardly appreciable — less than 
two mills on a dollar on the taxable property of the ward, ana but two-tenths 
of a mill upon that of the City. This cannot be magnified into a bar to the 
carrying out of an enterprise v/hich cannot fail to meet the approval of all to 
whom it is intelligibly presented. 



21 

That this meeting will vote foi' the purchase of the additional grounds for 
this school house, I feel to be a foregone conclusion. The setting off of a part 
of the grounds belonging to the city surrounding the Branch District school 
house is a matter highly proper to urge upon the Common Council ; and the 
resolution in that behalf should secure their favorable action. The titting up 
of the basement of this building as a play room for the children during inclem- 
ent wheather, needs but to be suggested, to be approved. The entire series 
of resolutions as recommended by the Committee should be passed, as I am con- 
fident they will be by the unanimous vote of this meeting. 

The report and resolutions were unanimously adopted. 

Col. Geo. S. Goodwin offered the following resolution, which* 
was adopted : 

Resolved, That the Secretary of this meeting be, and he is hereby in- 
structed to transmit to the Common Council, Board of School Commissioners, 
Board of Public Works and Aldermen of the ward copies of the report of the 
Committee on Enlargement and Improvement of Public School Grounds to- 
gether with the action of this meeting thereon, with the request that the mat- 
ters therein contained receive the attention which their importance demands. 

The foregoing is a correct copy of the report of the Comniittee 
on Enlargement and Improvement of the Public School Grounds, 
and of the proceedings of meetings held for the consideration of 
the same. 




WM- E. HUTTMAJVJV, Chairman. 

Secretary- 



THE HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT 



Connected with the First Ward Public School Association is a 
Horticultural Committee, of which Mr. Charles Mann is chairman, whose 
object it is to foster the taste of the growing population of the ward for the 
beauties of the vegetable kingdom, and to make them susceptible to the refining 
influences that are associated therewith. 

The labor of the committee in the past fand particularly of Mr. George 
Gordon, who has taken a Very active interest in the matter, though not a resi- 
dent of the ward,) has been chiefly directed to maintaining flowers in the 
borders of the school grounds which have beenplanted with an assortment of 
perrennials. 

For the future it is hoped to increase the interest of the scholars and the 
oommunity generally in such ways as may be found practicable, and also to 
undertake a system of distributioa of trees, shrubs, vines and small fruits 
among the residents of the ward. 

If the project meets fav >r, it is pi'obable that an effort will be made to 
furnish to any residents of the ward who apply, shade trees, etc., etc., for 
street and lawn planting, at wholesale cost prices If sufficient interest can 
be awakened in this matter, there will, no doubt, be an opportunity for the ac- 
complishment of much good. 

Intelligent supervision in the selection of varieties to be planted in 
the various situations, will doubtless improve the general result. There 
will be further notice when more definite action is taken. 

Musical Entertainments, Readings, Etc. 

It is probable that during the season of 1877-8, some evening musical 
entertainments and readings will be given in the First District School hall, in 
which ladies and gentlemen of the city will participate in connection with 
pupils of the school. 

A reunion of former and present teachers and pupils of the First Ward 
Public Schools has been suggested, and will perhaps be brought about some time 
during the coming year. 



^he J^rt ^euartm^nt. 



The following communication from Col. George B Goodwin is 
of interest to the public as an indication of plans and work in the 
department of art, to be undertaken by the Committee on that sub- 
ject of which he is chairman. 

Col. Goodwin has agreed, at his convenience, to deliver an 
evening lecture upon art matters in the Hall of the First District 
School building, when he will be able, moce fully, to present the 
views and methods which he believes will be found practicable in 
the work which he will undertake to organize and direct. Thought- 
ful attention is respectfully invited to the rubject. 

R. C. SPENCER, 

President. 
R. C. Spe7icer President First Ward Public School Association : 

In compliance with your request, i liereby submit briefly, a plan for tlie 
establishment of an Art Department for the First Ward Public School Associa- 
tion. 

1st. A proper room shall be secured in the school building, for the dis- 
play of oil paintings, drawings and engravings, to be kept for the benefit of 
the pupils and patrons of the school ajad the general public. 

2nd. Paintings shall be obtained by voluntary contributions as fer as pos- 
sible ; at stated times the Commiilee shall arrange for an exhibition for which 
pictures of ralueand merit shall be obtained. 

3rd. In order to encourage improvement in drawing, painting and the 
arts, productions of pupils of the public schools of this city and other institu- 
tions, and of individuals, may be placed in the exhibition room after having 
been approved by the Committee, as sufficiently meritorious. This will encour- 
age faithful study in the arts. 

4th. At stated intervals demonstrative lectures shall be had, devotet' ex- 
clusively to art, such lecture.* to be given by artists of this city and other places 
so far as practicable. These lectures to be confined to principles of drawing, 
coloring, sculpturing and kindred arts, and to be as far as possible of an in- 
structive practical character. 

5th. Pupils as well as patrons shall, upon proper terms, be allowed all 
advantages accruing from the establishment of this Association. 

6th. There shall bean association incorporated under the general law, 
under a proper designation, through which the objects of the Association may 
be attained. 

I need not say anything as to the propriety of correct teaching in the 
matter indicated. A correct knowledge of drawing involves an accurate study 
of forms, dimensions and such knowledge is useful in every department of 
life. The mechanic by such knowledge can more readily become an inventor, 
and the professional man can thereby be able to liring ideas to the comprehen- 
sion of all. A correct knowledge of colors is not only a strong aid to harmoni- 
ous nrrangenieiit of objects of beauty, but useful in every department of life. 
The mechanic, engineer and professional man are aided in eacli department by 
knowledge of the fine arts. 

Respectfully submitted, 

GEO. B. GOODWIN, 

C'/im'rinon Art Cammiikr. 



Iti* 



iiLi'i«,S1,^.!^I °'' CONGRESS 



029 712 994 6 



FIRST WARD 

Dime Lectmfe €Qmm&: 



f?HE Lecture Committee of the First Ward Public School 
I Association take pleasure in announcing that several well known 
J^ gentlemen, residents of the city, have kindly consented to 
deliver lectures under the auspices of the Association during the 
season of 1877-8 

The intention is to open the course early in November, and if 
sufficient encouragement is received, continue fortnightly through- 
out the season. 

It is proposed to fix the price of admission at a dime or half 
dime, as may be deemed best, the proceeds to be applied in neces- 
sary ways for the benefit of tlie public schools of the ward in 
providing such things as are not furnished by the Board of School 
Commissioners. 

Prof P. IVI. Each has generously agreed with the assistance of 
teachers, pupils and others to furnish music at each lecture. 

It is scarcely necessary to add that in Prof Each's hands music 
will be made an attractive feature of these occasions. 

It is earnestly hoped that all the people of the ward will make 
it a matter of special pride to encourage and sustain these lectures. 

The lectures will be delivered in the hall of the First District 
School building on Cass street, foot of Kewaunee street. The hall 
is &paciou.s, well seated and lighted, and furnished with a piano. 
The lectures will be duly announced through the daily papers, and 
by notice through the public school. 

I- .¥• BEA,N', 

Chairman Lcclure CommilUt. 



